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Occupant: A Science-Fiction Horror Novel
Humanity has reached the stars.
No longer bound to Earth or the Core Sol System, the human race has expanded into the far beyond, seeding itself throughout the final frontier. It has been a time of great expansion, hope, and progress.
These remote colonies, some found at the fringes of the Outer Rim, rely on supplies brought to them by deep-space commercial shipping vessels, which transport the needed goods and commodities to keep humanity alive and thriving in the most remote and austere locations. This story follow the crew of one such ship, the PlanetTEC-owned shipping vessel known as the Yunoma. Thirteen crewmembers on a standard long-range delivery haul. Something that should have been trivial and, frankly, boring.
But the men aboard the Yunoma soon make a terrifying discovery. Space is a big place, and it contains unimaginable horrors that none of them could have conceived. They don't know what it is. All they know is that it's fast. It's dangerous. And it's hungry.
Occupant marks action thriller author Zach James' first foray into the realm of science fiction and horror. Inspired by old-school, slow-burn science fiction and horror, Zach combines his love of classic horror and his overactive imagination with the primal human fear of the unknown in this story set in a new universe that shows just how hostile space, and the things found out there, truly are.
“A confident take on isolated space horror that somehow made me, a seasoned spooky sci-fi veteran, lose myself in its twisted pages.” - Alessio Summerfield, Filmmaker
No longer bound to Earth or the Core Sol System, the human race has expanded into the far beyond, seeding itself throughout the final frontier. It has been a time of great expansion, hope, and progress.
These remote colonies, some found at the fringes of the Outer Rim, rely on supplies brought to them by deep-space commercial shipping vessels, which transport the needed goods and commodities to keep humanity alive and thriving in the most remote and austere locations. This story follow the crew of one such ship, the PlanetTEC-owned shipping vessel known as the Yunoma. Thirteen crewmembers on a standard long-range delivery haul. Something that should have been trivial and, frankly, boring.
But the men aboard the Yunoma soon make a terrifying discovery. Space is a big place, and it contains unimaginable horrors that none of them could have conceived. They don't know what it is. All they know is that it's fast. It's dangerous. And it's hungry.
Occupant marks action thriller author Zach James' first foray into the realm of science fiction and horror. Inspired by old-school, slow-burn science fiction and horror, Zach combines his love of classic horror and his overactive imagination with the primal human fear of the unknown in this story set in a new universe that shows just how hostile space, and the things found out there, truly are.
“A confident take on isolated space horror that somehow made me, a seasoned spooky sci-fi veteran, lose myself in its twisted pages.” - Alessio Summerfield, Filmmaker
- GenresHorrorScience Fiction
405 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 2, 2023
40 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
December 8, 2024
Basically feels like a spin-off Aliens universe novel but made me think more specifically of the Dead Space video games. I’s reasonably well done, however, and could have been a solid six-issue comic series. Unambitious but well executed, an Aliens rip-off b-movie (which I have a soft spot for). All dudes, space mining, alien monsters, etc. There are some firefights, a tense struggle to jettison a creature out of an airlock. You know.
February 6, 2025
A pretty decent story. Somewhat of a cross between Alien and Dead Space. The monsters were pretty nasty, and the author doesn't skimp on details of anything. The characters were solid, and I liked the setting enough to want to read more stuff set in it.
Not bad overall, but I do have a few gripes:
•The first half of the book went into way too much detail about the characters, and I have never had that complaint before. Half the detail could have been edited out, and they would still have been solidly rounded out as characters.
•The crew goes from making reasonable, well thought-out decisions to making short-sighted or utterly foolish ones. I understand it helps move the plot along, but it can be a bit jarring.
•I feel like the ending was a set-up for a sequel, but if not, it left off on an adequate cliffhanger.
Not bad overall, but I do have a few gripes:
•The first half of the book went into way too much detail about the characters, and I have never had that complaint before. Half the detail could have been edited out, and they would still have been solidly rounded out as characters.
•The crew goes from making reasonable, well thought-out decisions to making short-sighted or utterly foolish ones. I understand it helps move the plot along, but it can be a bit jarring.
•I feel like the ending was a set-up for a sequel, but if not, it left off on an adequate cliffhanger.
May 5, 2024
Even though Occupant is presented to the reader as a crossover between Aliens and The Thing (two of my favorite old-school movies), it is an individual entity of its own. Zach James, also known for his Modern Mercenary series, strikes the reader with a satisfying and quality sci-fi horror tale.
One of my favorite things about Occupant was James’ world-building capabilities. Throughout the story, he built up each character with their history of how they came to be a crewman on the Yunoma. It was a smooth way to get to know each character, where they came from in the galaxy, and how they coped with the “occupants” they encountered throughout the story. It was also a way to build the vastness of this Hostile Universe series he’s started.
Another appreciation of this story is how James weaves his military background into this book. Not all the characters were hardened soldiers who kicked ass throughout this story, but there were a few. It was a nice setup between those who had a history on the battlefield and those who hadn’t; it was a great way to show variations of how each of the thirteen crew members had to step up and find that inner soldier within themselves to face the new horrors of deep space.
Lastly, the creatures in this book rival those in deep-space horror books and movies. James has created some truly unique, memorable, and horrific creatures within these pages—monstrosities that are hard to put down and keep coming back for more.
Join the crew and step aboard the Yunoma and into this new universe of horror because even though this shipping vessel is enormous, there is no place to hide, and areas on this ship seem to shrink the closer these creatures come. This story has undercurrents of claustrophobia, dementia, and fear. It has stayed with me since I read it and will be with me for some time. Since this is book one in the Hostile Universe Series, I look forward to more terrifying deep space thriller action from Zach James. Now, on to the Modern Mercenary Series.
One of my favorite things about Occupant was James’ world-building capabilities. Throughout the story, he built up each character with their history of how they came to be a crewman on the Yunoma. It was a smooth way to get to know each character, where they came from in the galaxy, and how they coped with the “occupants” they encountered throughout the story. It was also a way to build the vastness of this Hostile Universe series he’s started.
Another appreciation of this story is how James weaves his military background into this book. Not all the characters were hardened soldiers who kicked ass throughout this story, but there were a few. It was a nice setup between those who had a history on the battlefield and those who hadn’t; it was a great way to show variations of how each of the thirteen crew members had to step up and find that inner soldier within themselves to face the new horrors of deep space.
Lastly, the creatures in this book rival those in deep-space horror books and movies. James has created some truly unique, memorable, and horrific creatures within these pages—monstrosities that are hard to put down and keep coming back for more.
Join the crew and step aboard the Yunoma and into this new universe of horror because even though this shipping vessel is enormous, there is no place to hide, and areas on this ship seem to shrink the closer these creatures come. This story has undercurrents of claustrophobia, dementia, and fear. It has stayed with me since I read it and will be with me for some time. Since this is book one in the Hostile Universe Series, I look forward to more terrifying deep space thriller action from Zach James. Now, on to the Modern Mercenary Series.
May 13, 2025
Hi Zach, it’s Kymberly, we spoke a few days ago. Can I just extend that chat with you, just you and I. You beheaded him? I won’t say who it is but beheaded? You broke my heart with that one. 💔💔💔 oh how I wish you could see the notes I wrote reading the last 25%.
I was consumed by this book for the nine days I was reading it. I slowed down quite a bit to try and bridge the gap between finishing this one and the release of the second one to no avail.
The way Zach spends the beginning fleshing out these characters background, motivations, and relationships is so refreshing. The world building was amazing too. Not once did any of it feel like a giant info dump. It was incorporated within the story line. I became so invested in what happened to the Yunoma crew members, I cared about each and everyone of them. Except maybe one but every crew has a douche. This type of world and character building is not something I’ve seen a lot of with authors now.
Once you hit 50% you are on a rollercoaster of events and emotions along with the crew of the Yunoma. The detail in which the aliens and carnage were described was phenomenal. Some of the best descriptions I’ve read in a very long time. I usually have a hard time picturing things in my head while reading, that was not the case with Zach’s writing.
I cannot recommend this book enough, it’s everything you could ask for in the scifi/horror alien genre. I would recommend this to my sister if she liked the genre. I need people to talk to about this book, I’ve been word vomiting book reports to anyone who will listen! ✝️💙
Before I go tho… beheaded Zach? It’s gonna be a while before I get over his death 😭 also what happened to the cat?
I was consumed by this book for the nine days I was reading it. I slowed down quite a bit to try and bridge the gap between finishing this one and the release of the second one to no avail.
The way Zach spends the beginning fleshing out these characters background, motivations, and relationships is so refreshing. The world building was amazing too. Not once did any of it feel like a giant info dump. It was incorporated within the story line. I became so invested in what happened to the Yunoma crew members, I cared about each and everyone of them. Except maybe one but every crew has a douche. This type of world and character building is not something I’ve seen a lot of with authors now.
Once you hit 50% you are on a rollercoaster of events and emotions along with the crew of the Yunoma. The detail in which the aliens and carnage were described was phenomenal. Some of the best descriptions I’ve read in a very long time. I usually have a hard time picturing things in my head while reading, that was not the case with Zach’s writing.
I cannot recommend this book enough, it’s everything you could ask for in the scifi/horror alien genre. I would recommend this to my sister if she liked the genre. I need people to talk to about this book, I’ve been word vomiting book reports to anyone who will listen! ✝️💙
Before I go tho… beheaded Zach? It’s gonna be a while before I get over his death 😭 also what happened to the cat?
January 15, 2024
Do you like sci-fi deep space thrillers? How about sci-fi deep space HORROR? If so, I’ve got the book for you. With the standalone book, Occupant, Author Zach James delivers a scorching thriller guaranteed to make the hair on the back of your neck stand up. It will extract involuntary squeals, gasps, and dry heaves from you. James infuses the story with old school sci-fi horror nostalgia that feels like something between the original Alien and Kurt Russell’s The Thing. At times I thought I was trapped in the original doom video game, running for my life while blood dripped from the walls. The story follows a crew in deep space just coming out of cryosleep and encountering a colony where things are just not right. Needless to say, they encounter a horrible scenario where you begin to wonder if anyone will survive. James, known for his gritty and realistic military thrillers crafted some fantastic action and fighting sequences that kept me on the edge of my seat. Highly recommended! Oh and also buy the paperback copy because it comes in a unique pocket size. Well done Mr. James. (Content warning: language, violence, gore)
April 10, 2025
I listened to the unabridged audiobook.
One full point deduction for the narration by Robert Dane.
While his voice was made for books of this type, his tone and inflection were so flat that I honestly thought it was AI until the last few seconds when he credited himself. Having long ago vested myself of any smattering of inability to finish a book due to quality of the narration, this was an exception. The 10 hours or so of monotone, incorrect emphasis and just plain badly done latino made it a struggle to finish.
Overall, I actually liked the book. The pace was good and the players were widely varying.
But it was an enigma because while the author didn't waste spend any time offering an explanation for the effects of the infection, he went far overboard in the esoterica of each character's background. Little of which affected their role in the story. In my opinion it actually distracted because I spent too much time trying to remember whether this guy was the one who was married or the one who dropped out of wherever etc. None of which affected their actions.
As I said, I liked the book overall and will consider another of Mr. James' novels.
But, I'm afraid that narration by Mr. Dane in any future read is a deal breaker for me and will result in a quick DNF.
One full point deduction for the narration by Robert Dane.
While his voice was made for books of this type, his tone and inflection were so flat that I honestly thought it was AI until the last few seconds when he credited himself. Having long ago vested myself of any smattering of inability to finish a book due to quality of the narration, this was an exception. The 10 hours or so of monotone, incorrect emphasis and just plain badly done latino made it a struggle to finish.
Overall, I actually liked the book. The pace was good and the players were widely varying.
But it was an enigma because while the author didn't waste spend any time offering an explanation for the effects of the infection, he went far overboard in the esoterica of each character's background. Little of which affected their role in the story. In my opinion it actually distracted because I spent too much time trying to remember whether this guy was the one who was married or the one who dropped out of wherever etc. None of which affected their actions.
As I said, I liked the book overall and will consider another of Mr. James' novels.
But, I'm afraid that narration by Mr. Dane in any future read is a deal breaker for me and will result in a quick DNF.
August 30, 2025
Heavily influenced by the alien franchise and the DeadSpace video games. The writing of the book annoyed me, a LOT of detail was given that was useless to the plot. Especially early on, there’s a lot of character background given that literally never comes into play during the book.
Some big take aways:
Everyone drinks a lot of coffee
Everyone cracks their necks a lot
Everyone forgets information that doesn’t seem like they would forget. Example from the first chapter, the character comes out of a cryopod and “feels the cold ground on one of his feet. Upon looking down he remembered why. He was missing his left leg from the knee down” like how do you just “forget” that you’re missing a leg? There’s also several moments where a character “forgets” something then “he remembered all of his months of training”. Really? He forgot months of training? Come on now
I also listened to the Unabridged audio version of the book, the narrator’s voice was painfully monotone the ENTIRE time. When he would put emotion into his voice, it was during moments that really didn’t need emotion. And moments that needed emotion had none.
Some big take aways:
Everyone drinks a lot of coffee
Everyone cracks their necks a lot
Everyone forgets information that doesn’t seem like they would forget. Example from the first chapter, the character comes out of a cryopod and “feels the cold ground on one of his feet. Upon looking down he remembered why. He was missing his left leg from the knee down” like how do you just “forget” that you’re missing a leg? There’s also several moments where a character “forgets” something then “he remembered all of his months of training”. Really? He forgot months of training? Come on now
I also listened to the Unabridged audio version of the book, the narrator’s voice was painfully monotone the ENTIRE time. When he would put emotion into his voice, it was during moments that really didn’t need emotion. And moments that needed emotion had none.
August 22, 2024
it wasn't bad, but 'this meeting could have been an email'. although action packed, it was padded with unnecessary exposition dump about setting and characters at every chance. yes, every. brushing teeth with blue paste? here's explanation for this preference.
do we REALLY need to know where each guy went to school? NONE of the briskly mentioned planets will ever show up in this cabin fever of a story either. that's not worldbuilding. that's just author listing off every single thing he wrote down in his notebook. leave some things for the imagination. even the armoury had a detailed history, which was frankly impressive at that point.
do we REALLY need to know where each guy went to school? NONE of the briskly mentioned planets will ever show up in this cabin fever of a story either. that's not worldbuilding. that's just author listing off every single thing he wrote down in his notebook. leave some things for the imagination. even the armoury had a detailed history, which was frankly impressive at that point.
August 21, 2024
Good read
I enjoyed it overall but it definitely got off to a slow start. The reason for that was character development and setting the scene. So probably a personal preference of mine to jump right in to the action.
I enjoyed it overall but it definitely got off to a slow start. The reason for that was character development and setting the scene. So probably a personal preference of mine to jump right in to the action.
July 13, 2024
Slow start
December 14, 2024
Booo.
Drug on.
Way too much charachter dev in the beginning.
Drug on.
Way too much charachter dev in the beginning.
January 14, 2025
A really fun sci-fi horror read.
August 19, 2025
The action was good, but the build up was too slow and some of it felt unnecessary.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews